Meta-Leader of the Year Award

Each year, NPLI selects a program alumnus as the Meta-Leader of the Year. Honorees display extraordinary leadership in the midst of nationally or internationally significant crisis or disruptive change. Their leadership impact could apply to a response, policy development, or organizational transformation. A role model for our students, the annual recipient addresses our residential program.
Faculty members confer the award to the Meta-Leader who:
- Demonstrates remarkable character, including curiosity, courage, and confidence.
- Discovers and communicates situational insight that orients and engages followers.
- Builds connectivity of effort across the wide expanse of required people, leaders, and organizations.
- Inspires innovative action and productivity, aligned to the scenarios they face.
- Follows their moral compass, guiding by and guiding ethical decisions and actions.
2024 Recipient
Deputy Commandant for Operations
U.S. Coast Guard
It was bestowed upon VADM Gautier in recognition of his devoted leadership of the people, mission, and vision of the United States Coast Guard, and his critical national leadership during the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, the Grand Princess Cruise Ship landing, and on the staff of the White House National Security Council.

2023 Recipient
Marcus T. Coleman, Jr.
Director

2022 Recipient

2021 Recipient
Carol Cunningham M.D.
State Medical Director
Ohio Department of Public Safety

2020 Recipient
Alyssa Carrier
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
AC Disaster Consulting

2019 Recipient
Jim Andrews
Vice President
Health, Safety, Security, and Environment, Schlumberger Limited

2018 Recipient
Kerry Gilpin
Superintendent
Massachusetts State Police

2017 Recipient
Jono Anzalone
Vice President
International Services at American Red Cross

2016 Recipient
Jane Cage
Chairman
Joplin Citizens Advisory Recovery Team

2015 Recipient
Alice Hill
Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Resilience Policy
National Security Council, The White House

2014 Recipient
Martin Cetron M.D.
Director
Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

2013 Recipient
William “Billy” Evans
Superintendent
Boston Police Department

2011 Recipient
Richard Serino
Deputy Administrator
Federal Emergency Management Agency

2010 Recipient
Rear Admiral Peter V. Neffenger
Deputy National Incident Commander
Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, U.S. Coast Guard

2009 Recipient
Richard Besser, M.D.
Acting Director
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
